Sociological Self and Philosophical Perspectives

Philosophical Perspectives of the Self

• Socrates emphasized the importance of self-knowledge, believing that true wisdom comes from introspection and self-examination.
• Plato viewed the self as immortal and independent of the body, presenting the Tripartite Theory of the Soul, which consists of reason, spirit, and appetite.
• Aristotle argued that body and soul are inseparable, defining the self as a unified and holistic being.
• Saint Augustine believed in a self that is deeply intertwined with God, suggesting a spiritual dimension to personal identity.
• Rene Descartes introduced dualism, positing that the self comprises mind and body and famously stated, "I think, therefore I am."
• John Locke proposed the concept of tabula rasa, suggesting individuals are born as a blank slate shaped by memories and personal experiences.
• David Hume argued that the self is an illusion, identifying it as a mere collection of perceptions, thoughts, and sensations.
• Immanuel Kant differentiated between the inner self (emotional and rational intellect) and the outer self (physical body and senses).
• Sigmund Freud developed a model of the self consisting of the ID, EGO, and SUPEREGO, where the ego mediates between societal rules (superego) and instinctual drives (id).

Looking-Glass Self Theory (Charles Horton Cooley)

• The Looking-Glass Self Theory describes how self-image is formed through our perceptions of how others see us.
• Stages of the Looking-Glass Self include:
  • Imagination: Envisioning how we appear to others.
  • Interpretation: Assessing how others judge us based on our perceived appearance.
  • Self-feeling: Developing our self-concept based on these judgments.

Social Self Theory (George Herbert Mead)

• Mead's Social Self Theory asserts that personal identity is developed through social interactions and cultural expectations.
• Aspects of the Social Self include:
  • "I" and "Me": "I" represents the spontaneous, instinctive aspect of self, while "Me" embodies the socialized aspect that considers societal consequences.
  • Role-Taking: The ability to envision how others perceive and evaluate us.
  • Significant Others and Generalized Others: Significant others (e.g., parents) directly influence our self-concept, while generalized others represent societal norms and expectations.